JP7212910B2 - Goods management system, distribution system, server equipment, and goods management method - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-130474 filed in Japan on July 12, 2019, and the entire disclosure of this earlier application is incorporated herein for reference.

The present disclosure relates to an article management system, a distribution system, a server device, and an article management method.

Patent Literature 1 describes a technique in which a work robot performs an inspection process in which a product delivered to a store is compared with order information, and the delivered product is displayed on a product display shelf.

JP 2018-151923 A

In a conventional store, a customer who purchases a product manually picks up the product from the product display shelf and brings it to the cash register. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a wide aisle around the product display shelf so that people can pass through, and the height of the product display shelf must be such that a person can reach it. Therefore, the number of products that can be displayed according to the site area of the store, that is, the density of the number of products with respect to the site area is limited.

An object of the present disclosure is to increase the product density with respect to site area.

An article management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
Automatic storage of a plurality of containers each containing one or more items, and carrying out of the plurality of containers containing at least one item to be received in a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area a warehouse;
a control device that controls or assists picking of the at least one article in the picking area from the container unloaded by the automated warehouse.

A server device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
Automatic storage of a plurality of containers each containing one or more items, and carrying out of the plurality of containers containing at least one item to be received in a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area A server device connected to an article management system comprising a warehouse and a control device for controlling or supporting picking of the at least one article in the picking area from a container unloaded by the automated warehouse,
a communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device;
Accepting the designation or advance order of the at least one item via the communication unit, referring to the inventory information of the item management system installed at each of the plurality of locations, and selecting the at least one item from among the plurality of locations a control unit that selects a location where a container containing one article is stored in the automated warehouse and notifies the selected location to the terminal device via the communication unit.

In an article management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
An automated warehouse that stores a plurality of containers each containing one or more articles moves a container containing at least one article to be received in a receiving area from among the plurality of containers to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area. carry out,
A control device controls or assists picking of the at least one article in the picking area from a container unloaded by the automated warehouse.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the product density with respect to the site area.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an article management system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a store in which an article management system according to the first embodiment is installed; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article management system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a manipulator of an article management system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack of an article management system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crane of an article management system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the article management system according to the first embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the goods management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing operations of an article management system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an article management system according to a third embodiment; FIG. It is a perspective view of a store in which an article management system according to a third embodiment is installed. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an article management system according to a third embodiment; It is a flow chart which shows operation of an article management system concerning a 3rd embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an article management system according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operation of an article management system according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a physical distribution system according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the operation of the server device according to the fifth embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the process performed in the goods management system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing processing executed in an article management system according to the seventh embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of one part of the goods management system which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of one part of the goods management system which concerns on 9th Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts. In the description of each embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
An outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG.

In the article management system 100 according to this embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 stores a plurality of containers 210 each containing one or more articles 200 . The automated warehouse 110 unloads the container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 out of the plurality of containers 210 to the picking area 102 adjacent to the receiving area 103 . The control device 120 controls picking in which at least one article 201 is taken out from the container 211 unloaded by the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102 .

In this embodiment, instead of the user 220 receiving the item 201 in the receiving area 103 manually picking up the item 201 from the storage position, the automated warehouse 110 automatically removes the container 211 containing the item 201 from the storage position. Take out. Therefore, the space around the storage position may be so narrow that people cannot pass through, and the height of the storage position may be so high that people cannot reach it. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of articles that can be stored according to the site area where the article management system 100 is installed, that is, the article number density with respect to the site area.

Item management system 100 may be installed at any location where user 220 can receive item 201, but in this embodiment is installed at a retailer's store 230, such as a convenience store or supermarket. As a modified example of this embodiment, the article management system 100 may be installed in any one of gas stations, stations, offices, office buildings, and condominiums. As another modified example of this embodiment, the article management system 100 may be installed in the city. As yet another modified example of the present embodiment, the article management system 100 may be placed on the platform of a vehicle such as a truck or an automatic driving vehicle and transported, and operated as a mobile store. As yet another modification of this embodiment, the article management system 100 may be installed in a base store that acts like a micro DC. "DC" is an abbreviation for distribution center. A base store stores merchandise prior to replenishment to multiple satellite stores. Each satellite store is, for example, a self-checkout type unmanned store. Each satellite store is installed in, for example, an apartment building or an office building. Customers at each satellite store read the two-dimensional code unique to each satellite store with a mobile device such as a smartphone, allowing the payment system to recognize which store the customer intends to shop at. When customers purchase a product, they pay for the product by scanning the product's barcode with a mobile device and making an online payment.

Each item 200 is a product sold at a store 230 in this embodiment. The types of articles 200 include, for example, foods, daily necessities, and magazines, but there may be various types other than these, or conversely, there may be only one or two types. The types of items 200 are identified as SKUs in this embodiment. "SKU" is an abbreviation for stock keeping unit. The article 201 received by the user 220 is a product purchased by the user 220 in this embodiment.

Each container 210 is a tote in this embodiment, but may be, for example, a carton, bag, box, pallet, case, or bucket.

In this embodiment, the manipulator 130 picks. Therefore, the control device 120 controls picking by the manipulator 130 . Any method may be used as a picking control method. A method of inputting and causing the manipulator 130 to identify the article 201 and remove it from the container 211 can be used. "RFID" is an abbreviation for radio-frequency identification.

In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 not only automatically removes the container 211 containing the article 201 from the storage position, but also the manipulator 130 automatically removes the article 201 from the container 211 removed by the automated warehouse 110. Take out. Therefore, the user 220 does not have to manually take out the article 201 from the container 211, which improves convenience. Alternatively, the store clerk does not have to manually take out the article 201 from the container 211, and the staff shortage at the store 230 can be resolved.

As a modified example of this embodiment, instead of the manipulator 130 , the user 220 or a person such as a store clerk may manually take out the article 201 from the container 211 taken out by the automated warehouse 110 . In that case, the controller 120 assists the picking by a person. Any method may be used as a picking support method, but in this modification, identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the article 201 is input into the reader, and the person receives the article. A method of identifying the 201 with a reader and removing it from the container 211 can be used. Alternatively, a method can be used in which an image of the article 201 is displayed on a display to allow a person to visually identify the article 201 and take it out of the container 211 .

4, 5, and 6 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3, the configuration of an article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

The article management system 100 includes an automated warehouse 110 , a control device 120 and a manipulator 130 as well as a database 140 , an input device 150 , an output device 160 , a conveyor 170 and a receiving box 180 .

An automated warehouse 110 is installed in a storage area 101 for storing each article 200 . Storage area 101 adjoins picking area 102 for picking of articles 201 . Picking area 102 adjoins receiving area 103 for receipt of items 201 . The automated warehouse 110 is also called "AS/RS". The automated warehouse 110 is a crane-type AS/RS in this embodiment, but may be, for example, a carousel-type, shuttle-type, or bot-type AS/RS.

A plurality of containers 210 containing one or more articles 200 are carried into the automated warehouse 110 . The automated warehouse 110 stores a plurality of containers 210 that have been brought in.

Each container 210 may contain only one type of item 200 or may contain more than one type of item 200 . When two or more types of articles 200 are contained in the same container 210 , the two or more types of articles 200 may be sorted according to the type of each article 200 . As a sorting method, any method may be used, but in this embodiment, a method of dividing the inside of the container 210 into a plurality of spaces by dividers and placing each article 200 in each type of space can be used. . The sorting operation may be performed before each container 210 is delivered to the store 230, or may be performed after each container 210 is delivered to the store 230 and before it is carried into the automated warehouse 110, Or it may be performed using the manipulator 130 in the store 230 .

The controller 120 is installed in the storage area 101, the picking area 102, the receiving area 103, or any other area. Controller 120 is a computer.

A manipulator 130 is installed in the picking area 102 . The number of manipulators 130 may be any number, but in the example of FIG. 3 there is one. The manipulator 130 is, for example, a system including an articulated robot as shown in FIG. 4, a camera for photographing the picking target of the robot from above, and a motion controller for controlling the motion of the robot. For example, the manipulator 130 identifies the article 201 by analyzing the photographed image of the article 201 obtained by the camera with the motion controller. The manipulator 130 takes out the article 201 from the container 211 by controlling the picking operation of the articulated robot with a motion controller.

The database 140 is located in the storage area 101, the picking area 102, the receiving area 103, or any other area, just like the controller 120. FIG. Database 140 is, for example, an RDBMS. "RDBMS" is an abbreviation for relational database management system. The database 140 is separate from the control device 120 in this embodiment, but may be integrated with the control device 120 .

The database 140 holds inventory information 240 of the automated warehouse 110 . The inventory information 240 includes identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to each container 210, information indicating the storage position of each container 210 in the automated warehouse 110, and A combination with information indicating the type of item 200 present is included. The inventory information 240 is updated when each container 210 is carried into the automated warehouse 110 and when each container 210 is unloaded from the automated warehouse 110 .

Input device 150 is located in receiving area 103 or other area into which user 220 may enter. The input device 150 is installed in front of the store 230, for example. The input device 150 is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone. The input device 150 is separate from the control device 120 in this embodiment, but may be integrated with the control device 120 .

The output device 160, like the input device 150, is located in the receiving area 103 or other area that the user 220 can enter. The output device 160 is installed in front of the store 230, for example. Output device 160 is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescence. The output device 160 is separate from the control device 120 in this embodiment, but may be integrated with the control device 120 .

A conveyor 170 is installed in the picking area 102 . Conveyor 170 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, an omniwheel-applied conveyor, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof.

A receiving box 180 is installed in the receiving area 103 . The receiving box 180 is, for example, a box that can be opened and closed automatically or manually.

The automated warehouse 110 includes one or more racks 111 and one or more cranes 112 .

The number of racks 111 may be any number, but two in the example of FIG. The rack 111 may be configured to accommodate any number of containers 210, but in the example of FIG. It is configured as a high-density rack that can A part of the space of the rack 111 may be replaced with a space for installing the manipulator 130 . In the example of FIG. 3, the space of one of the two racks 111 that can accommodate six containers 210 in the vertical direction and four containers 210 in the horizontal direction is replaced with a space for installing the manipulator 130 .

The number of cranes 112 is determined by the number of racks 111, and is one in the example of FIG. A crane 112 is installed in the aisle facing the rack 111 . In the example of FIG. 3, one crane 112 is installed in the aisle between two racks 111 . As long as the passage is wide enough for the crane 112 to be installed, the passage may be narrow enough for people to pass through. Crane 112 is a mini-load crane in this embodiment, but may be, for example, a unit-load crane or a mid-load crane.

In this embodiment, the expandability of the automated warehouse 110 is enhanced by treating the racks 111, the cranes 112, or a combination thereof as modules. That is, the configuration of the automated warehouse 110 can be easily determined or changed according to various requirements such as the site area of the store 230 where the article management system 100 is installed and the required number of items. Furthermore, by treating components other than the automated warehouse 110 of the product management system 100 or combinations of components of the product management system 100 as modules, the expandability of the product management system 100 as a whole may be enhanced. That is, the overall configuration of the article management system 100 may be easily determined or changed according to various requirements of the store 230 where the article management system 100 is installed. For example, by configuring the automated warehouse 110 or other components of the article management system 100 with a small number of modules or small-scale modules, the store 230 can be a convenience store along the road, inside a gas station, inside an office, or in an office building. The article management system 100 can be easily introduced into a small convenience store inside an apartment building, or a small shop at a station. Alternatively, by configuring the automated warehouse 110 or other components of the article management system 100 with a large number of modules or large-scale modules, the article management system 100 can be easily introduced into a large convenience store or large supermarket as the store 230. can. Moreover, when the store 230 into which the article management system 100 is installed is closed, each module of the article management system 100 can be reused in other shops or other places.

In this embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 stores a plurality of containers 210 that have been brought in, divided into two or more compartments with different temperature settings according to the type of the articles 200 contained in each container 210 . For example, two racks 111 are divided into four compartments corresponding to four temperature zones of frozen, refrigerated, constant temperature, and normal temperature, and a plurality of containers 210 carried in are stored in each container 210. 200 types are divided into these four compartments for storage. In that case, the freezer compartment contains containers 210 containing products that require frozen storage, such as frozen foods. The refrigeration compartment contains containers 210 containing items requiring refrigeration. The constant temperature compartment houses containers 210 containing products that require constant temperature storage, such as alcoholic beverages. The cold compartment contains containers 210 containing other merchandise.

The control device 120 includes a control section 121 , a storage section 122 , a communication section 123 , an input section 124 and an output section 125 .

Control unit 121 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a particular process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. A dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. Control unit 121 executes information processing related to the operation of control device 120 while controlling each unit of control device 120 .

The storage unit 122 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of them. A semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 122 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Storage unit 122 stores information used for the operation of control device 120 and information obtained by the operation of control device 120 .

The communication unit 123 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface or an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. “5G” is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 123 receives information used for the operation of the control device 120 from the database 140 or other external devices, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control device 120 to the database 140 or other external devices.

The input unit 124 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a USB interface. "USB" is an abbreviation for universal serial bus. Input unit 124 receives an operation of inputting information used for operation of control device 120 via input device 150 .

The output unit 125 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a USB interface. The output unit 125 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control device 120 via the output device 160 .

The functions of the control device 120 are implemented by executing the control program according to the present embodiment with a processor included in the control unit 121 . That is, the functions of the control device 120 are realized by software. The control program is a program for causing a computer to execute a step process included in the operation of the control device 120, thereby causing the computer to implement a function corresponding to the step process. That is, the control program is a program for causing the computer to function as the control device 120 .

The program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Program distribution is performed, for example, by selling, assigning, or lending a portable recording medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM on which the program is recorded. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of the server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. A program may be provided as a program product.

A computer temporarily stores, for example, a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program transferred from a server in a main storage device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device with the processor, and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may execute processing according to the received program every time the program is transferred from the server to the computer. The processing may be executed by a so-called ASP type service that realizes the function only by executing the execution instruction and obtaining the result without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. The program includes information that is used for processing by a computer and that conforms to the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but that has the property of prescribing the processing of the computer corresponds to "things equivalent to a program."

A part or all of the functions of the controller 120 may be implemented by a dedicated circuit included in the controller 121 . That is, some or all of the functions of control device 120 may be realized by hardware.

The operation of the article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This operation corresponds to the article management method according to this embodiment. The operation of FIG. 7 is started when user 220 visits store 230 .

In step S<b>101 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to generate a list 250 of types of articles 200 contained in a plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110 . Any method may be used as the method for generating the list 250, but in this embodiment, for each SKU of the product sold at the store 230, the product name and availability of inventory are obtained from the inventory information 240 held in the database 140. , and quantity, and generates a list 250 of pages having a hierarchical structure on which the extracted information is posted. The control unit 121 causes the output device 160 to output the generated list 250 via the output unit 125 . That is, the output device 160 is controlled to output to the user 220 a list 250 of types of articles 200 contained in a plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110 . For example, a display included in output device 160 displays list 250 on the screen.

In step S<b>102 , the input device 150 receives an order operation for at least one item 201 by the user 220 .

The input device 150 accepts an operation of selecting at least one article 201 from the list 250 output by the output device 160 by the user 220 as part of the ordering operation. For example, a touch screen provided integrally with a display included in input device 150 accepts an operation of adding items to a shopping cart that user 220 wants to purchase on a page displayed by the display. The order operation is completed by an operation of confirming the purchase of the product, such as an operation of paying for the product added to the shopping cart by the user 220 . Any payment method may be used as the payment method for the product. A method of making a payment can be used. "POS" is an abbreviation for point of sale. The payment system may identify the user 220 by reading identification information such as a barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet of the user 220 or printed on the membership card of the user 220. good. Alternatively, the payment system may identify the user 220 by reading identification information such as an ID recorded on the mobile device or membership card of the user 220 . "ID" is an abbreviation for identifier. The settlement system may be provided as part of the article management system 100, or may be provided as a separate system that connects and cooperates with the article management system 100. FIG. In the former case, the payment system may be a system that connects and cooperates with the retailer's existing system, or it may be a stand-alone system that operates without connection with the retailer's existing system. In the latter case, that is, when the settlement system is a system separate from the goods management system 100, the settlement system may be a new system that is not included in the retailer's existing system, or may be a new system that is not included in the retailer's existing system. Contained conventional systems are also acceptable.

In this embodiment, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 predicts the article 202 to be ordered by the ordering operation before the ordering operation is completed. Any method may be used as a method for predicting the item 202 to be ordered, but in this embodiment, when the user 220 adds an item to the shopping cart, it is predicted that the item will be purchased. can be used. The control unit 121 moves the crane 112 according to the storage position in the rack 111 of the container 212 containing the predicted article 202 among the plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110 . If the crane 112 reaches a position where the container 212 can be taken out before the ordering operation is completed, the control unit 121 causes the crane 112 to wait until the ordering operation is completed.

In step S<b>103 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 identifies the article 201 selected by the order operation accepted by the input device 150 via the input unit 124 . The control unit 121 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the identified article 201 . Any method may be used to specify the container 211, but in this embodiment, identification information of the container 211 containing the article 201 or information indicating the storage position is obtained from the inventory information 240 held in the database 140. can be used. The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to carry out the identified container 211 to the picking area 102 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 selects a container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 from among the plurality of containers 210 stored in the picking area according to the order operation received by the input device 150 . 102 is controlled. Specifically, the crane 112 moves along the path facing the rack 111 , takes out the container 211 , and carries out the taken out container 211 to the picking area 102 .

In step S<b>104 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls picking by the manipulator 130 via the communication unit 123 . That is, manipulator 130 is controlled to perform picking. Picking is an operation of taking out at least one article 201 from the container 211 unloaded by the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102 . Identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the article 201 or an image of the article 201, which is input to the manipulator 130 for picking control, is input by an order operation accepted by the input device 150. Directly or indirectly specified.

In this embodiment, the manipulator 130 learns the appearances of multiple types of articles 200 before picking. Any method such as machine learning or other AI-based learning may be used as an appearance learning method. method can be used. "AI" is an abbreviation for artificial intelligence. The manipulator 130 observes the appearance of the article 200 contained in the container 211 unloaded by the automated warehouse 110 during picking. Any method may be used as a method for observing the appearance, but in this embodiment, a method of photographing the article 200 contained in the container 211 with a camera may be used. Manipulator 130 identifies at least one item 201 as a result of learning and observation. Any method may be used as a method for identifying the article 201. In this embodiment, the image read into the memory is compared with the photographed image of the camera, and the target article 200 is selected from among the articles 200 photographed by the camera. can be used to identify the item 201 of the

In step S<b>105 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 sends at least one picked-out item 201 to the conveyor 170 via the communication unit 123 until the user 220 receives the item 201 in the receiving area 103 . Drop it into the receiving box 180 that is used. That is, the conveyor 170 is controlled to convey at least one article 201 picked by picking to the receiving area 103 .

As a modified example of the present embodiment, even if the control unit 121 of the control device 120 supports picking by a person in step S104, the conveyor 170 receives at least one article 201 taken out by picking in step S105. Transport to area 103 .

According to this embodiment, the user 220 who purchases the product does not have to manually pick up the product from the product display shelf and bring it to the register, and can receive the product at the receiving area 103 and take it home.

As described above, in this embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 stores multiple containers 210 each containing one or more articles 200 . Automated warehouse 110 unloads container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in receiving area 103 among a plurality of containers 210 to picking area 102 adjacent to receiving area 103 . The control device 120 controls picking in which at least one article 201 is taken out from the container 211 unloaded by the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102 .

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the density of the number of products with respect to the site area.

In this embodiment, the mini load crane takes on the task of loading and unloading totes stored in high density racks. The mini load crane comprises a horizontal travel rail for transporting the totes while moving through the spaces between the high density racks and a vertical travel platform provided with a telescoping mechanism for retrieving the totes from the high density racks. A high density rack may be able to accommodate more than one tote in the depth direction.

Articulated robots are equipped with automatically exchangeable end-of-arm tooling. The end-of-arm tooling is specifically a suction-type gripper, but may automatically change to other types of grippers or hands, depending on the product. The articulated robot is tasked with picking items directly from the tote for processing orders placed using the front user panel, which is a display with a touch screen.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shopping process can be fully automated. That is, the store 230 can be completely unmanned. However, the store 230 may be operated as a hybrid type of manned store and unmanned store. For example, even if the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment is installed in a convenience store that operates 24 hours a day, together with a conventional product display shelf and cash register, the convenience store is operated as a manned store from morning to night and an unmanned store during the night. good.

According to this embodiment, orders can be fulfilled by robots and automation modules on behalf of people working in small footprint shops or kiosks in commercial areas.

According to this embodiment, in the store 230, it is possible to bring the product from the storage area 101 to the receiving area 103 without human intervention. Furthermore, the density of items in the storage area 101 can be increased.

As a modified example of this embodiment, an API for connecting and cooperating various existing retailer systems, such as payment systems such as POS systems, IMS, and ERP systems, with the article management system 100 may be defined. good. "IMS" is an abbreviation for inventory management system. "ERP" is an abbreviation for enterprise resource planning. "API" is an abbreviation for application programming interface. According to this modification, the article management system 100 can be provided as a turnkey system via API.

As a modified example of the present embodiment, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 may change the storage position of each container 210 according to the order frequency of the articles 200 contained in each container 210 . Specifically, the control unit 121 may store a tote containing frequently ordered products in the rack 111 near the manipulator 130 . According to this modification, the cycle time can be shortened.

As a modification of this embodiment, when the tote is delivered from the distribution center, the clerk or truck driver places the tote at the loading point, and an identification label such as a barcode attached to the tote is placed at the loading point. may be scanned with a scanner provided. In this case, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 determines the storage position of the tote in the automated warehouse 110 according to the contents of the tote identified by the scanner. The crane 112 stores the tote at the storage position determined by the control section 121 .

As a modified example of this embodiment, when the first tote is delivered from the distribution center, the clerk may sort the contents of the first tote while transferring the contents of the first tote to a second tote that is another tote. Then, the clerk places the second tote at the loading point, and an identification label such as a barcode attached to the second tote may be scanned by a scanner provided at the loading point. In this case, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 determines the storage position of the second tote in the automated warehouse 110 according to the contents of the second tote identified by the scanner. The crane 112 stores the second tote at the storage position determined by the control unit 121 . The control unit 121 updates the inventory information 240 and adds to the database 140 the combination of the identification information of the second tote or the information indicating the storage position and the information indicating the SKU in the second tote. Information indicating the SKUs in the second tote is obtained, for example, by scanning identification labels, such as barcodes, attached to the products in the second tote during sorting.

(Second embodiment)
An outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first embodiment, the user 220 receives at least one picked item 201 at the receiving area 103, but in the present embodiment, the mobile robot 280 or drone 290 receives the item 201 at the receiving area 103. and deliver it to the user 220 .

The configuration of an article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Descriptions of parts common to the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

Item management system 100 includes at least one of mobile robot 280 and drone 290 .

Mobile robot 280 is, for example, a four-wheeled robot or a six-wheeled robot.

Drone 290 is, for example, a multicopter.

The operation of the article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This operation corresponds to the article management method according to this embodiment. A description of the parts common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted. The operations of FIG. 9 are initiated when user 220 orders at least one item 201 at an e-commerce site.

In step S<b>201 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 receives the order information 260 of at least one item 201 transmitted via the network 330 such as the Internet via the communication unit 123 . The order information 260 includes identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the item 201 ordered by the user 220 on the electronic commerce site, or an image of the item 201 .

In step S<b>202 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 identifies the article 201 corresponding to the received order information 260 . The control unit 121 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the identified article 201 . The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to carry out the identified container 211 to the picking area 102 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 picks the container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 from among the plurality of stored containers 210 according to the order information 260 received by the control device 120. It is controlled to carry out to area 102 .

Since the processing of step S203 is the same as the processing of step S104 in FIG. 7, the description thereof is omitted. Identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the item 201 or an image of the item 201, which is input to the manipulator 130 for picking control, is order information 260 received by the control device 120. specified directly or indirectly by

In step S204, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 loads at least one article 201 taken out by picking onto the conveyor 170 via the communication unit 123 onto the mobile robot 280 or drone 290 waiting in the receiving area 103. Let That is, the conveyor 170 is controlled to convey at least one article 201 picked by picking to the receiving area 103 . A mobile robot 280 or drone 290 receives the item 201 at the receiving area 103 .

In step S<b>205 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes the mobile robot 280 or drone 290 to deliver the mounted article 201 to the user 220 via the communication unit 123 . That is, mobile robot 280 or drone 290 is controlled to deliver article 201 received at receiving area 103 to user 220 . Destination information, such as the user's 220 home address, or any shipping address specified by the user 220 , entered into the mobile robot 280 or drone 290 is directly or indirectly included in the order information 260 received at the controller 120 . It is specified.

According to this embodiment, the user 220 who has purchased the product does not need to visit the store 230 to receive the product, thereby improving convenience.

(Third embodiment)
An outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12. FIG.

In the first embodiment, picking is performed when the user 220 visits the store 230 , but in this embodiment, the picking is performed before the user 220 visits the store 230 .

The configuration of an article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. Descriptions of parts common to the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

The article management system 100 includes a repository 190 .

A repository 190 is located in the pre-order area 104 for temporary storage of items 201 received by the user 220 . The storage shed 190 is a crane-type AS/RS in this embodiment, but may be, for example, a carousel-type, shuttle-type, or bot-type AS/RS, or a warehouse other than the AS/RS. There may be.

The operation of the article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This operation corresponds to the article management method according to this embodiment. Descriptions of parts common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be omitted. The operation of FIG. 13 begins when user 220 orders at least one item 201 at an e-commerce site, stops once item 201 is in storage, and resumes when user 220 visits store 230.

Since the processing from step S301 to step S303 is the same as the processing from step S201 to step S203 in FIG. 9, description thereof is omitted.

In step S<b>304 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 temporarily stores at least one article 201 taken out by picking in the storage shed 190 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the storage 190 is controlled to temporarily store at least one article 201 taken out by picking. Specifically, the crane of the storage 190 moves along the passage facing the rack of the storage 190 and stores the container 213 into which the article 201 was transferred during picking. The database 140 associates identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the container 213, or information indicating the storage position of the container 213 in the storage 190, with authentication information 271 such as an exchange number. Hold. The authentication information 271 may be provided by the e-commerce site as part of the order information 260 received by the control device 120, or may be newly generated by the control unit 121 when the container 213 is carried into the storage 190. and may be communicated to user 220 via network 330, such as the Internet.

As a modification of the present embodiment, even if the control unit 121 of the control device 120 assists picking by a person in step S303, the storage 190 stores at least one article 201 taken out by picking in step S304. Store once.

In step S<b>305 , the input device 150 accepts input operation of the authentication information 270 for receiving at least one article 201 by the user 220 . For example, the touch screen provided integrally with the display included in the input device 150 accepts an operation for the user 220 to input the exchange number notified from the electronic commerce site or the control device 120 via the network 330 . The control unit 121 of the control device 120 acquires the authentication information 270 input by the input operation accepted by the input device 150 via the input unit 124 .

The control unit 121 collates the acquired authentication information 270 with the database 140, and ends the operation when the authentication fails. That is, if the database 140 does not hold the regular authentication information 271 that matches the acquired authentication information 270, the control unit 121 terminates the operation. On the other hand, if the authentication is successful, that is, if the database 140 holds the valid authentication information 271 that matches the acquired authentication information 270, the control unit 121 searches the database 140 in step S306, The container 213 corresponding to the authentication information 271 is specified. Any method may be used as a method for specifying the container 213, but in this embodiment, the identification information of the container 213 or the information indicating the storage position, which is held in the database 140 in association with the authentication information 271, is extracted. You can use the method of The control unit 121 causes the container 190 to carry out the specified container 213 to the receiving area 103 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the storage 190 is controlled to carry out at least one article 201 to the receiving area 103 according to the input operation accepted by the input device 150 . Specifically, the crane of the storage 190 moves along the passage facing the rack of the storage 190 , takes out the container 213 containing the article 201 , and carries out the taken out container 213 to the receiving area 103 .

According to this embodiment, the user 220 who ordered the product does not have to wait at the store 230 for the unloading by the automated warehouse 110 and the picking by the manipulator 130 to be completed. can be received at

(Fourth embodiment)
An outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first embodiment, the item management system 100 is installed at the retailer's store 230, but in this embodiment, the item management system 100 is installed at the courier's delivery point.

Each item 200, in this embodiment, is a parcel stored at a delivery point. An article 201 received by the user 220 is a parcel addressed to the user 220 in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the inventory information 240 held in the database 140 includes identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to each container 210, or storage position of each container 210 in the automated warehouse 110. and identification information such as a bar code, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the article 200 contained in each container 210 is included. In addition to inventory information 240 , database 140 holds authorized authentication information 271 for each article 200 contained in multiple containers 210 stored in automated warehouse 110 . Specifically, the database 140 stores identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to each item 200 in association with authentication information 271 such as an exchange number. It is assumed that the user 220 to whom each item 200 is addressed has been notified of the same information as the authentication information 271 by any method.

The operation of the article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This operation corresponds to the article management method according to this embodiment. A description of the parts common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment or the third embodiment will be omitted. The operations of FIG. 15 are initiated when user 220 visits the delivery station.

In step S<b>401 , the input device 150 accepts input operation of the authentication information 270 for receiving at least one article 201 by the user 220 . For example, a touch screen provided integrally with the display included in the input device 150 accepts an operation for the user 220 to input the exchange number. The control unit 121 of the control device 120 acquires the authentication information 270 input by the input operation accepted by the input device 150 via the input unit 124 .

The control unit 121 collates the acquired authentication information 270 with the database 140, and ends the operation when the authentication fails. That is, if the database 140 does not hold the regular authentication information 271 that matches the acquired authentication information 270, the control unit 121 terminates the operation. On the other hand, if the authentication is successful, that is, if the database 140 holds regular authentication information 271 that matches the acquired authentication information 270, the control unit 121 searches the database 140 in step S402, The article 201 corresponding to the authentication information 271 is identified, and further, the container 211 containing the identified article 201 is identified. Any method may be used as a method for specifying the article 201, but in this embodiment, a method of extracting the identification information of the article 201 held in the database 140 in association with the authentication information 271 may be used. can. Any method may be used to specify the container 211, but in this embodiment, identification information of the container 211 containing the article 201 or information indicating the storage position is obtained from the inventory information 240 held in the database 140. can be used. The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to carry out the identified container 211 to the picking area 102 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 selects a container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 from among the plurality of containers 210 stored in the picking area according to the input operation received by the input device 150 . 102 is controlled.

The processing of steps S403 and S404 is the same as the processing of steps S104 and S105 in FIG. 7, and thus description thereof is omitted. Identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the article 201, or an image of the article 201, which is input to the manipulator 130 for picking control, is stored in the database 140 in association with the authentication information 271. retained.

According to this embodiment, the user 220 designated as the destination of the package can receive the package in the receiving area 103 .

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user 220 receives at least one item 201 picked by picking in the receiving area 103. However, as a modification of this embodiment, Similarly, a mobile robot 280 or drone 290 may receive the item 201 at the receiving area 103 and deliver it to the user 220 .

As a modification of this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, picking is performed before the user 220 visits the delivery station, and the storage shed 190 temporarily stores at least one article 201 taken out by picking. You may In that case, storage shed 190 carries out at least one item 201 to receiving area 103 in response to an input operation accepted by input device 150 when user 220 visits the delivery station.

(Fifth embodiment)
The configuration of a physical distribution system 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A physical distribution system 300 includes a plurality of article management systems 100 according to the first embodiment or the third embodiment, server equipment 310 , terminal equipment 320 , mobile robots 340 , drones 350 , and management equipment 360 .

The server device 310 may be installed at any location, but is installed in the data center in this embodiment. The server device 310 is a computer. The server device 310 is connected to each article management system 100 via a network 330 such as the Internet.

Terminal equipment 320 is used by user 220 . The terminal device 320 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smart phone or a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

Mobile robot 340 is, for example, a four-wheeled robot or a six-wheeled robot. The mobile robot 340 delivers the articles 200 carried into the automated warehouse 110 of each article management system 100 to each article management system 100 .

Drone 350 is, for example, a multicopter. The drone 350 delivers the article 200 carried into the automated warehouse 110 of each article management system 100 to each article management system 100 .

The management device 360 may be installed at any location, but in this embodiment, it is installed at a manned store such as a manned convenience store. Management equipment 360 is used by a manned store manager. The management device 360 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smart phone or a tablet, or a PC. The management equipment 360 collectively monitors and controls a plurality of article management systems 100 .

A staffed store in which the management equipment 360 is installed is deployed as a parent store, and stores 230 in which a plurality of article management systems 100 are installed are deployed as satellites. According to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a new franchise model that can improve the profit and reduce the burden on the franchise owner while ensuring the needs of the functions of the manned store.

The server device 310 includes a control section 311 , a storage section 312 , a communication section 313 , an input section 314 and an output section 315 .

Controller 311 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a particular process. A dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 311 executes information processing related to the operation of the server device 310 while controlling each unit of the server device 310 .

Storage unit 312 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. A semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The storage unit 312 functions, for example, as a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 312 stores information used for the operation of the server device 310 and information obtained by the operation of the server device 310 .

The communication unit 313 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface or an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. The communication unit 313 communicates with external devices such as the control device 120 of each article management system 100 and the terminal device 320 of the user 220 . The communication unit 313 receives information used for the operation of the server device 310 from an external device, and transmits information obtained by the operation of the server device 310 to the external device.

The input unit 314 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface is, for example, a USB interface. Input unit 314 receives an operation of inputting information used for operation of server device 310 via an input device.

The output unit 315 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a USB interface. The output unit 315 outputs information obtained by the operation of the server device 310 via an output device.

The functions of the server device 310 are implemented by executing the server program according to the present embodiment with the processor included in the control unit 311 . That is, the functions of the server device 310 are realized by software. The server program is a program for causing a computer to execute a step process included in the operation of the server device 310, thereby causing the computer to implement a function corresponding to the step process. That is, the server program is a program for causing the computer to function as the server device 310 .

A part or all of the functions of the server device 310 may be implemented by a dedicated circuit included in the controller 311 . That is, part or all of the functions of the server device 310 may be realized by hardware.

The operation of the server device 310 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This operation corresponds to the service providing method according to this embodiment.

In step S<b>501 , the control unit 311 receives designation or advance order of at least one item 201 via the communication unit 313 . Specifically, the control unit 311 accepts designation or advance order of the article 201 by the user 220 on the electronic commerce site.

In step S502, the control unit 311 refers to the inventory information 240 of the article management system 100 installed at each of the plurality of locations, and selects a container containing the designated or ordered article 201 from the plurality of locations. 211 is stored in the automated warehouse 110. Specifically, the control unit 311 communicates with the control device 120 of each article management system 100 via the communication unit 313, searches the database 140 of each article management system 100, and retrieves the designated or ordered article. Identify the container 211 containing 201 . Any method may be used to specify the container 211, but in this embodiment, identification information of the container 211 containing the article 201 or information indicating the storage position is obtained from the inventory information 240 held in the database 140. can be used. The control unit 311 identifies the store 230 in which the article management system 100 including the automated warehouse 110 storing the identified container 211 is installed.

If there are two or more places where the container 211 containing the designated or ordered item 201 is stored in the automated warehouse 110, the control unit 311 sends the position of the user 220 via the communication unit 313 in step S503. To detect. Then, in step S504, the control unit 311 selects a location to be notified to the terminal device 320 from among the two or more locations according to the distance between the detected location and the two or more locations. . Specifically, when the number of specified shops 230 is two or more, the control unit 311 acquires the position information of the terminal device 320 of the user 220 who specified or ordered the article 201 . Then, the control unit 311 selects the store 230 that exists within the reference range or is closest to the position indicated by the acquired position information from among the identified stores 230 .

If there is only one place where the container 211 containing the designated or ordered article 201 is stored in the automated warehouse 110, the control unit 311 selects the one place in step S505. Specifically, when the number of specified stores 230 is one, the control unit 311 selects the specified store 230 .

In step S<b>506 , the control unit 311 notifies the terminal device 320 of the selected location via the communication unit 313 . Specifically, the control unit 311 transmits information about the selected store 230 to the terminal device 320 of the user 220 who has specified the item 201 and prompts the user 220 to purchase the item 201 at the store 230 . Alternatively, the control unit 311 transmits information about the selected store 230 to the terminal device 320 of the user 220 who ordered the item 201 and prompts the user 220 to receive the item 201 at the store 230 .

According to this embodiment, the user 220 who has purchased a product or has ordered the product can know the store 230 that has the product and is close to the user 220, thereby improving convenience.

(Sixth embodiment)
The configuration of an article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Descriptions of parts common to the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

Item management system 100 comprises a commerce platform 400 .

The commerce platform 400 comprises server equipment 310 , terminal equipment 320 and kiosk terminals 370 .

The server device 310 may be installed at any location, but is installed in the data center in this embodiment. The server device 310 is a computer. The server device 310 sequentially inputs the order from the kiosk terminal 370 and the pre-order from the terminal device 320 to the order queue 410 classified by order type. Server device 310 sequentially reads orders from order queue 410 . The server device 310 executes an order-type transmission process 420 for each read order, and calls an API 430 of the control device 120 via a network 330 such as the Internet.

Terminal equipment 320 is used by user 220 . The terminal device 320 is, for example, a mobile device such as a smart phone or a tablet, or a PC.

The kiosk terminal 370 may be installed at any location, but is installed at the store 230 or near the store 230 in this embodiment. The kiosk terminal 370 includes an input device 150 such as a touch screen provided integrally with a display, and an output device 160 such as a display.

Processing executed in the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A flow of processing regarding an order from the kiosk terminal 370 will be described. This flow includes steps corresponding to steps S101 to S105 in FIG. Descriptions of portions common to the processing of each step in FIG. 7 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

In a step corresponding to step S101 in FIG. 7, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to obtain a list 250 of types of articles 200 contained in a plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110. Generate. The control unit 121 causes the output device 160 of the kiosk terminal 370 to output the generated list 250 via the communication unit 123 or the output unit 125 . That is, the kiosk terminal 370 is controlled so as to output to the user 220 a list 250 of types of articles 200 contained in a plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110 . For example, the display of kiosk terminal 370 displays list 250 on the screen.

In a step corresponding to step S102 in FIG. 7, the input device 150 of the kiosk terminal 370 receives an order operation for at least one article 201 by the user 220. FIG. The order operation includes a first operation in which the user 220 selects at least one item 201 and a second operation in which the user 220 confirms purchase of the at least one item 201 . Kiosk terminal 370 accepts, as a first operation, user 220 selecting at least one item 201 from list 250 output by kiosk terminal 370 . In this embodiment, the first operation is an operation by the user 220 to add at least one item 201 to the virtual shopping cart. For example, the touch screen of kiosk terminal 370 accepts an operation of adding a product that user 220 wants to purchase to a shopping cart on the page displayed by the display. As a second operation, the kiosk terminal 370 accepts an operation of confirming the purchase of the product, such as an operation of paying for the product added to the shopping cart by the user 220 . In this embodiment, the second operation is an operation for the user 220 to pay for at least one article 201 . For example, the touch screen of the kiosk terminal 370 accepts an operation of making a payment with cash, credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual currency via a payment system such as a POS system installed at the store 230 .

In a step corresponding to step S103 in FIG. 7, server device 310 receives information on article 201 selected by the first operation via network 330 each time kiosk terminal 370 accepts the first operation. Server device 310 enters the received information into order queue A as a kiosk order. Each time the server device 310 reads a kiosk order from the order queue A, it executes the send process A and calls retrieve_tote_by_order_line of the API 430 via the network 330 . When retrieve_tote_by_order_line is called, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the article 201 selected in the first operation. The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to take out the identified container 211 from the storage position via the communication unit 123 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 racks a container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 among the plurality of stored containers 210 in response to the first operation received at the kiosk terminal 370 . The crane 112 is controlled to be taken out from the storage position at 111 .

When the kiosk terminal 370 accepts the second operation, the server device 310 receives the information on the article 201 purchased by the second operation via the network 330 . The server device 310 inputs the received information to the order queue B as a kiosk order for which payment has been completed. If the kiosk order input to the order queue A when the item 201 purchased in the second operation is selected in the first operation remains unread from the order queue A, the server device 310 Delete the order from order queue A. That is, if the payment for the kiosk order corresponding to the first operation is completed by the second operation before the kiosk order corresponding to the first operation is read from the order queue A, the server device 310 effectively reads the kiosk order. , moves from order queue A to order queue B as a kiosk order for which payment has been completed. On the other hand, after the kiosk order corresponding to the first operation has been read out from order queue A, the server device 310 simply indicates that the payment has been completed if the payment for the kiosk order has been completed by the second operation. Enter the kiosk order into Order Queue B. If there is a kiosk order for which payment has been completed by the second operation without going through the first operation, such as when a product is purchased with a single click, the server device 310 stores the kiosk order for which payment has been completed. to enter. Every time the server device 310 reads a kiosk order for which payment has been completed from the order queue B, it executes the transmission process B and calls retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API 430 via the network 330 . When retrieve_tote_and_picking is called, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the article 201 purchased in the second operation. If the identified container 211 has not yet been removed from the storage position, the control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to remove the identified container 211 from the storage position via the communication unit 123 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 racks a container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 among the plurality of stored containers 210 in response to the second operation accepted by the kiosk terminal 370 . The crane 112 is controlled to be taken out from the storage position at 111 .

In a step corresponding to step S104 in FIG. 7 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls picking by the manipulator 130 via the communication unit 123 . That is, manipulator 130 is controlled to perform picking.

In a step corresponding to step S105 in FIG. 7, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 transfers at least one picked-out article 201 to the conveyor 170 via the communication unit 123, and the article 201 is transferred to the conveyor 170 by the user 220. Drop it into the receiving box 180 used for receiving in the receiving area 103 . That is, the conveyor 170 is controlled to convey at least one article 201 picked by picking to the receiving area 103 .

A flow of processing relating to pre-ordering from the terminal device 320 will be described. This flow includes steps corresponding to step S201 in FIG. 9, step S202 in FIG. 9, step S401 in FIG. 15, step S402 in FIG. 15, step S104 in FIG. 7, and step S105 in FIG. 7, 9, and 15 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

When the user 220 orders at least one item 201 on the electronic commerce site, the terminal device 320 transmits the order information 260 of the item 201 to the server device 310 via the network 330 . The order information 260 includes identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the item 201 ordered by the user 220 on the electronic commerce site, or an image of the item 201 .

In a step corresponding to step S201 in FIG. 9, when the order information 260 is transmitted from the terminal device 320, the server device 310 receives the order information 260 via the network 330. FIG. In a step corresponding to step S202 in FIG. 9, the server device 310 inputs the received order information 260 to the order queue C as a pre-order. The server device 310 holds the order information 260 in association with the authentication information 271 such as the exchange number. Authentication information 271 may be provided by the e-commerce site as part of order information 260 or may be newly generated by server device 310 and communicated to user 220 via network 330 . The format of the authentication information 271 may be any format, but in this embodiment it is a two-dimensional code. Each time the server device 310 reads a pre-order from the order queue C, it executes the transmission process C and calls retrieve_tote of the API 430 via the network 330 . When retrieve_tote is called, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the article 201 corresponding to the order information 260 . The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to take out the identified container 211 from the storage position via the communication unit 123 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 racks the container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 from among the plurality of stored containers 210 according to the order information 260 transmitted from the terminal device 320 . The crane 112 is controlled to be taken out from the storage position at 111 .

In a step corresponding to step S401 in FIG. 15, the input device 150 of the kiosk terminal 370 performs an input operation of the authentication information 270 for receiving at least one item 201 by the user 220 when the user 220 visits the store 230. accept. For example, the touch screen of kiosk terminal 370 accepts an operation of user 220 inputting a two-dimensional code notified from electronic commerce site or server device 310 via network 330 .

The server device 310 receives the authentication information 270 via the network 330 when the kiosk terminal 370 accepts the input operation. The server device 310 collates the received authentication information 270 with the valid authentication information 271 . If the authentication is successful, that is, if the authentication information 270 matches the authentic authentication information 271, the server device 310 stores the order information 260 corresponding to the authentication information 271 as an authenticated pre-order in the order queue B. to enter. In a step corresponding to step S402 in FIG. 15, the server machine 310 executes the transmission process B and calls retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API 430 via the network 330 every time it reads out an authenticated pre-order from the order queue B. When retrieve_tote_and_picking is called, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the article 201 corresponding to the authentication information 270 . If the identified container 211 has not yet been removed from the storage position, the control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to remove the identified container 211 from the storage position via the communication unit 123 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 racks the container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 from among the plurality of stored containers 210 according to the order information 260 transmitted from the terminal device 320 . The crane 112 is controlled to be taken out from the storage position at 111 .

In a step corresponding to step S104 in FIG. 7 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls picking by the manipulator 130 via the communication unit 123 . That is, manipulator 130 is controlled to perform picking.

In a step corresponding to step S105 in FIG. 7, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 transfers at least one picked-out article 201 to the conveyor 170 via the communication unit 123, and the article 201 is transferred to the conveyor 170 by the user 220. Drop it into the receiving box 180 used for receiving in the receiving area 103 . That is, the conveyor 170 is controlled to convey at least one article 201 picked by picking to the receiving area 103 .

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls the order operation of at least one product 201 by the user 220 and the order information 260 of the at least one product 201 transmitted via the network 330. , the automated warehouse 110 carries out a process of carrying out a container 211 containing at least one article 201 to the picking area 102 . If order information 260 from another user 220 is transmitted while a certain user 220 is performing an ordering operation, the control unit 121 gives priority to the user 220 who is performing the ordering operation and performs the processing. Run. For example, the server device 310 may execute transmission processing C only when transmission processing A and transmission processing B are not executed. Sending process A is considered to be running after calling retrieve_tote_by_order_line of API 430 until it receives accept as a response. The transmission process B is considered to be in progress until not only is accept received as a response after calling retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API 430 but all applicable containers 211 are carried out to the picking area 102 . The transmission process C is considered to be in progress until not only is accept received as a response after calling retrieve_tote of the API 430, but all relevant containers 211 are taken out from the storage positions.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the order processing efficiency by allocating the idle time for kiosk order processing to pre-order processing.

As a modified example of this embodiment, the number of duplicate orders that can be sent for each of order queue A, order queue B, and order queue C may be controlled. For example, the server device 310 may limit the number of transmission processes A that can be redundantly executed to three. The server device 310 may limit the number of transmission processes B that can be redundantly executed to two. The server device 310 may execute the transmission process C one by one.

As a modification of the present embodiment, the total number of orders in order queue A, order queue B, and order queue C that can be redundantly transmitted may be controlled. For example, server device 310 may limit the total number of transmission processes 420 that can be executed simultaneously to four. By making it possible to define the maximum redundancy as a whole, it is possible to prevent capacity overruns and queue stagnation.

As a further modification, the redundancy may be dynamically changed according to the situation. A queue similar to the order queue 410 and parallel transmission processing similar to the transmission processing 420 are prepared for various instructions such as instructions for carrying in products and instructions for carrying out delivery products for electronic commerce sites. good too. By dynamically changing the redundancy of each transmission process in response to requests for various processes, it is possible to execute processes with the optimum priority according to the situation. For example, if there are few kiosk orders and pre-orders, then many product delivery instructions can be processed.

As a modified example of the present embodiment, order queue A, order queue B, and order queue C may be interchangeable in order of orders.

As a modified example of this embodiment, instead of processing the order by calling the API 430 via the network 330, the order may be processed by another communication method such as MQ. "MQ" is an abbreviation for message queuing.

As a variation of this embodiment, the server device 310 may be integrated with the control device 120 .

(Seventh embodiment)
Processing executed in the article management system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 19 . A description of the parts common to the processing executed in the article management system 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be omitted.

A flow of processing regarding an order from the kiosk terminal 370 will be described.

In a step corresponding to step S103 in FIG. 7, server device 310 receives information on article 201 selected by the first operation via network 330 each time kiosk terminal 370 accepts the first operation. Server device 310 inputs the received information to transmission queue 411 as a kiosk order. Each time the server device 310 reads a kiosk order from the transmission queue 411 , it executes the transmission process 420 and calls retrieve_tote_by_order_line of the API 430 of the control device 120 via the network 330 . The processing executed by the control device 120 when retrieve_tote_by_order_line is called is the same as that of the sixth embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

When the kiosk terminal 370 accepts the second operation, the server device 310 receives the information on the article 201 purchased by the second operation via the network 330 . The server device 310 inputs the received information to the transmission queue 411 as a kiosk order for which payment has been completed. Every time the server device 310 reads a kiosk order for which payment has been completed from the transmission queue 411 , it executes the transmission processing 420 and calls retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API 430 via the network 330 . The processing executed by the control device 120 when retrieve_tote_and_picking is called is the same as that of the sixth embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, the server device 310 performs a priority change 440 to prioritize paid kiosk orders over unpaid kiosk orders. For example, if there is an unsent kiosk order A that has been input to the transmission queue 411 before kiosk order B for which payment has been completed and for which payment has not been completed, the server device 310 receives kiosk order B from kiosk order A. is also moved to the head side of the transmission queue 411 .

A flow of processing relating to pre-ordering from the terminal device 320 will be described.

In a step corresponding to step S201 in FIG. 9, when the order information 260 is transmitted from the terminal device 320, the server device 310 receives the order information 260 via the network 330. FIG. The order information 260 includes reception time information, which is the time at which the user 220 receives the article 201 ordered by the electronic commerce site at the store 230 . In a step corresponding to step S202 in FIG. 9, server device 310 inputs received order information 260 to pre-order queue 412 as a pre-order. The server device 310 holds the order information 260 in association with the authentication information 271 such as the exchange number. The server device 310 reads out the pre-orders from the pre-order queue 412 in order of earliest reception time, and inputs the read pre-orders to the transmission queue 411 . Each time the server device 310 reads a pre-order from the transmission queue 411 , it executes the transmission process 420 and calls retrieve_tote of the API 430 via the network 330 . The processing executed by the control device 120 when retrieve_tote is called is the same as that of the sixth embodiment, so the description is omitted.

The server device 310 receives the authentication information 270 via the network 330 when the kiosk terminal 370 accepts the input operation. The server device 310 collates the received authentication information 270 with the valid authentication information 271 . If the authentication is successful, that is, if the authentication information 270 matches the valid authentication information 271, and the pre-order corresponding to the authentication information 271 has not yet been input to the transmission queue 411, the server device 310 accepts the Regardless of the time, the pre-order is read from the pre-order queue 412 and is input to the transmission queue 411 as an authenticated pre-order. In a step corresponding to step S402 in FIG. 15 , the server device 310 executes the transmission process 420 and calls retrieve_tote_and_picking of the API 430 via the network 330 each time it reads the pre-order for which authentication has been completed from the transmission queue 411 .

In this embodiment, the server device 310 performs a priority change 440 to prioritize kiosk orders over pre-orders that have not been authenticated. For example, if there is an unsent pre-order Y that has been input to the transmission queue 411 before the kiosk order C and has not been authenticated, the server device 310 places the kiosk order C before the pre-order Y in the transmission queue 411 . to the beginning of the

In this embodiment, the server device 310 performs a priority change 440 to prioritize pre-orders that have been authenticated. For example, the server device 310 moves the pre-order Z to the top of the transmission queue 411 if there is an unsent order input to the transmission queue 411 before the pre-order Z for which authentication has been completed.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the waiting time when the user 220 visits the store 230 by giving priority to the processing of orders whose receipt is completed early.

As a variation of this embodiment, if a kiosk order has been overtaken by authenticated pre-orders in the transmission queue 411 more than a certain number of times, the kiosk order is given a higher priority. may be processed.

(Eighth embodiment)
The configuration of an article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Descriptions of parts common to the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

The article management system 100 comprises a conveyor 173 separate from the conveyor 170 and a receiving terminal 380 .

Conveyor 170 may have only a single lane, but in this embodiment it has first lane 171 and second lane 172 . Conveyor 170 is driven independently for each lane.

Conveyor 173 is installed below conveyor 170 in this embodiment, but may be installed above conveyor 170 . The conveyor 173 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, an omniwheel conveyor, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. Conveyor 173 may have only a single lane, but in this embodiment it has a third lane 174 and a fourth lane 175 . Conveyors 173 are driven independently for each lane.

A receiving terminal 380 is installed in the receiving area 103 . The receiving terminal 380 includes an input device 150 such as a touch screen integrated with a display, an output device 160 such as a display, and a receiving box 180 that can be opened and closed automatically or manually.

The automatic warehouse 110 is a rotating rack type AS/RS in this embodiment. The automated warehouse 110 includes a plurality of racks 116 that are vertically rotating racks that rotate independently.

The number of racks 116 may be any number as long as it is two or more, but in the example of FIG. The rack 116 may be configured to hold any number of containers 210, but in the example of FIG. 20 holds 11 vertically, 1 horizontally, and 2 deep. configured to be able to The rack 116 is provided with two openings, a take-out opening for ejecting the container 210 and a return opening for inserting the container 210 .

The automated warehouse 110 includes a first conveyor 113 , a second conveyor 114 and a third conveyor 115 in addition to racks 116 .

The first conveyor 113 is installed adjacent to the rack 116 . The first conveyor 113 is installed so as to match the position of the outlet of the rack 116 in the vertical direction of the rack 116 . The first conveyor 113 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, a conveyor using an omniwheel, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof.

A second conveyor 114 is installed adjacent to the first conveyor 113 . The second conveyor 114 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, an omniwheel-applied conveyor, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof. The second conveyor 114 may have only a single lane, but in this embodiment it has multiple lanes, and in the example of FIG. 20 it has two lanes. The second conveyor 114 is driven independently for each lane.

Third conveyor 115 is positioned below first conveyor 113 and second conveyor 114 and adjacent rack 116 in this embodiment, but above first conveyor 113 and second conveyor 114 and adjacent rack 116 . may be installed to The third conveyor 115 is installed at the position of the return port of the rack 116 in the vertical direction of the rack 116 . The third conveyor 115 is, for example, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, an omniwheel-applied conveyor, a bot-type transfer device, or any combination thereof.

The operation of the article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This operation corresponds to the article management method according to this embodiment. Descriptions of parts common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

In a step corresponding to step S101 in FIG. 7, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 searches the database 140 to obtain a list 250 of types of articles 200 contained in a plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110. Generate. The control unit 121 causes the output device 160 of the receiving terminal 380 to output the generated list 250 via the output unit 125 . That is, the receiving terminal 380 is controlled to output to the user 220 the list 250 of the types of the articles 200 contained in the plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110 . For example, the display of receiving terminal 380 displays list 250 on the screen.

In a step corresponding to step S102 in FIG. 7, the input device 150 of the receiving terminal 380 receives an order operation for at least one article 201 by the user 220. FIG. The order operation includes a first operation in which the user 220 selects at least one item 201 and a second operation in which the user 220 confirms purchase of the at least one item 201 . Receiving terminal 380 receives, as a first operation, user 220 selecting at least one item 201 from list 250 output by receiving terminal 380 . In this embodiment, the first operation is an operation by the user 220 to add at least one item 201 to the virtual shopping cart. For example, the touch screen of receiving terminal 380 accepts an operation of adding a product that user 220 wants to purchase to the shopping cart on the page displayed on the display. Receiving terminal 380 receives, as a second operation, an operation for confirming the purchase of a product, such as an operation for paying for the product added to the shopping cart by user 220 . In this embodiment, the second operation is an operation for the user 220 to pay for at least one article 201 . For example, the touch screen of the receiving terminal 380 accepts an operation of making a payment with cash, credit card, electronic money, points, or virtual currency via a payment system such as a POS system installed at the store 230 .

In a step corresponding to step S103 in FIG. 7, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes at least one article 201 out of the plurality of containers 210 each containing one or more articles 200 to The filled container 211 is moved from the rack 116 to the first conveyor 113 as the container 212 containing the item 201 selected in the first operation.

Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 identifies the item 201 selected by the first operation accepted by the receiving terminal 380 via the input unit 124 . The control unit 121 searches the database 140 to identify the container 212 containing the identified article 201 . The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to take out the specified container 212 from the rack 116 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 rotates the rack 116 storing the container 212 containing the article 201 selected in the first operation in response to the first operation accepted by the receiving terminal 380, and rotates the container 212. are discharged from the outlet of the rack 116 to the first conveyor 113 . The control unit 121 causes the storage unit 122 to store information indicating the position of the container 212 on the first conveyor 113 .

The control unit 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 211 containing the article 201 confirmed to be purchased by the second operation from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114 in response to the second operation.

Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 specifies, via the input unit 124 , the article 201 confirmed to be purchased by the second operation accepted by the receiving terminal 380 . The control unit 121 refers to the information stored in the storage unit 122 and identifies the position of the container 211 containing the identified article 201 on the first conveyor 113 . The control unit 121 causes the automatic warehouse 110 to move the container 211 at the specified position from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114 via the communication unit 123 . That is, in response to the second operation accepted by the receiving terminal 380, the automated warehouse 110 moves the container 211 containing the article 201 confirmed to be purchased by the second operation from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114. controlled to move.

The control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the second conveyor 114 to bring the container 211 containing the article 201 confirmed to be purchased to the picking position.

Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the second conveyor 114 independently for each lane to move the container 211 containing the article 201 confirmed to be purchased to the picking position. to reach That is, the second conveyor 114 is driven independently for each lane, and is controlled so that the container 211 containing the article 201 confirmed to be purchased reaches the picking position.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 121 of the control device 120, when a plurality of users 220 perform ordering operations in parallel, controls the , move the container 212 containing the item 201 selected by each user 220 from the rack 116 to the position corresponding to each user 220 on the first conveyor 113 . When the first user among the plurality of users 220 performs the second operation before the second user, the control unit 121 moves the container 212 containing the article 201 selected by the first user to the second user. The article 201 selected by the user is moved to the second conveyor 114 before the container 212 containing the article 201 .

In this embodiment, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the second conveyor 114 in a direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the first conveyor 113 . In the example of FIG. 20 , the controller 121 drives the first conveyor 113 forward when moving the container 211 from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114 . When the container 211 is moved to the front lane of the second conveyor 114, the controller 121 also drives the second conveyor 114 forward. Which lane of the second conveyor 114 the container 211 should be moved to, front or back, may be determined by any method such as round robin. In the example of FIG. 20, the control unit 121 drives the second conveyor 114 rightward when the container 211 reaches the picking position.

In this embodiment, when the user 220 performs the third operation of deselecting at least one item 201, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 changes the container containing the item 201 according to the third operation. 212 from the first conveyor 113 back to the rack 116; Specifically, the control unit 121 drives the first conveyor 113 to return the container 212 to the rack 116 in response to the third operation. That is, the automated warehouse 110 inserts the container 212 containing the article 201 whose selection was canceled by the third operation from the first conveyor 113 to the return opening of the rack 116 in response to the third operation accepted by the receiving terminal 380. controlled to In this embodiment, the third operation is an operation for the user 220 to delete at least one item 201 from the virtual shopping cart. In the example of FIG. 20 , the controller 121 drives the first conveyor 113 backward when returning the container 212 from the first conveyor 113 to the rack 116 .

In a step corresponding to step S104 in FIG. 7 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls picking by the manipulator 130 via the communication unit 123 . That is, manipulator 130 is controlled to perform picking. In this embodiment, at the time of picking, at least one article 201 is taken out from the container 211 unloaded by the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102, and the taken-out article 201 is transferred to another container 215.

The control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes the third conveyor 115 to return the container 211 containing at least one article 201 to the storage position after picking has taken place. That is, the third conveyor 115 is controlled to return the container 211 containing at least one article 201 to the storage position after picking has taken place.

Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 211 from which at least one article 201 has been taken out by picking from the second conveyor 114 to the third conveyor 115 as the container 214 for which the picking is completed. The controller 121 drives the third conveyor 115 to return the container 214 to the rack 116 . That is, the automated warehouse 110 is controlled to insert the container 214 for which picking has been completed from the third conveyor 115 into the return port of the rack 116 . In the example of FIG. 20 , the control unit 121 drives the third conveyor 115 backward or leftward and backward when returning the container 214 from the third conveyor 115 to the rack 116 .

In a step corresponding to step S105 in FIG. 7, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 transfers at least one picked-out item 201 to the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380 via the communication unit 123 to the conveyor 170. put in. That is, the conveyor 170 is controlled to convey at least one article 201 picked by picking to the receiving area 103 .

Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 appropriately drives each lane of the conveyor 170 to put the container 215 containing at least one article 201 into the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380 by picking. Any method may be used as the method of inputting the container 215, but in this embodiment, the container 215 is moved from the conveyor 170 into the receiving box 180 through an opening provided on the back side of the receiving box 180. You can use the method of

In the example of FIG. 20 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the first lane 171 of the conveyor 170 rightward so that the container 215 containing at least one article 201 by picking corresponds to the receiving terminal 380 . reach the position. The controller 121 drives the first lane 171 forward to move the container 215 to the second lane 172 of the conveyor 170 . The control unit 121 drives the second lane 172 forward to throw the container 215 into the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380 .

The control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyor 173 to return the container 215 containing at least one item 201 by picking to the picking area 102 after the item 201 is received in the receiving area 103 . That is, the conveyor 173 is controlled to return the container 215 containing at least one item 201 by picking to the picking area 102 after the item 201 is received in the receiving area 103 .

Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 215 from which the user 220 has taken out at least one article 201 from the receiving box 180 to the conveyor 173 as the container 216 that has been received. Any method may be used to move the container 216 to the conveyor 173, but in this embodiment, an angle-adjustable plate provided in the receiving box 180 is tilted rearward to move the receiving box. A method of sliding containers 216 from receiving box 180 onto conveyor 173 through an opening in the back of 180 can be used. The controller 121 drives the conveyor 173 to return the container 216 to its original position. The original position is the position where the empty container 216 is stored until it is used again as the container 215 for picking.

In the example of FIG. 20 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the fourth lane 175 of the conveyor 173 backward to move the empty container 216 to the third lane 174 of the conveyor 173 . The control unit 121 drives the third lane 174 leftward to return the container 216 to its original position.

As described above, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of racks 116 storing the plurality of containers 210 is a vertically rotating rack, and each rack 116 rotates independently. Therefore, as many parallel processes as the number of racks 116 can be executed. In the example of FIG. 20, a maximum of 10 processes can be executed in parallel.

In the first embodiment, the cycle time can be shortened by increasing the moving speed of the crane 112 . In this embodiment as well, the cycle time can be shortened by increasing the rotation speed of the rack 116, but the cycle time does not decrease even if the speed of the crane 112 is decreased. Therefore, the possibility of damaging the product can be reduced.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the automated warehouse 110 stores a plurality of containers 210 that have been brought in, and stores them in two different temperature settings according to the type of the articles 200 contained in each container 210. Store in the above compartments. For example, ten racks 116 are divided into four compartments corresponding to four temperature zones of frozen, chilled, constant temperature, and normal temperature, and a plurality of containers 210 carried in are stored in each container 210. 200 types are divided into these four compartments for storage. By dividing the temperature zone for each rack 116, it becomes easier to manage the temperature zone. By limiting the openings of the rack 116 to only the take-out opening and the return opening, it becomes easier to manage the temperature zones. At least one of the extraction port and the return port may be configured to be openable.

In this embodiment, a first conveyor 113 adjacent to a rack 116 containing a plurality of containers 210 each containing one or more items 200 is oriented in response to a first operation in which a user 220 selects at least one item 201 . , receives a container 211 containing at least one item 201 from a plurality of containers 210 from rack 116 . A second conveyor 114 adjacent to the first conveyor 113 moves containers 211 containing at least one item 201 from the first conveyor 113 in response to a second action by the user 220 confirming purchase of the at least one item 201 . receive. The second conveyor 114 then conveys the container 211 containing at least one article 201 to a picking position for removing the at least one article 201 .

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the container 211 can be removed from the rack 116 before the purchase of the article 201 is confirmed. In addition, in order operations started later, even if there is an overtaking order in which the purchase of the item 201 is confirmed first, the item 201 can be picked first. Therefore, the time from ordering to picking can be shortened.

In this embodiment, the second conveyor 114 is driven independently for each lane to bring the containers 211 containing the confirmed purchase items 201 to the picking position. A third conveyor 115 returns the container 211 to the storage position after picking has taken place.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, while picking is taking place in one lane on the second conveyor 114, another lane removes the containers 214 that have already been picked, and the next container to be picked. 211 can be brought to the picking position.

As a modified example of this embodiment, instead of the receiving terminal 380, a kiosk terminal may output a list 250 of types of articles 200 contained in a plurality of containers 210 stored in the automated warehouse 110. FIG. In that case, the kiosk terminal accepts the order operation. For example, if there are a plurality of kiosk terminals and a product is placed in a shopping cart at one of the kiosk terminals, the tote containing the product is taken out from the rack 116 and placed on the first conveyor 113 . In the first conveyor 113, it is always managed which kiosk terminal or tote corresponding to the order from which user 220 is at which position. Assuming that payment is completed at any kiosk terminal, the tote at the position corresponding to that kiosk terminal is transferred from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114 . Then, the tote is carried by the second conveyor 114 to the vicinity of the manipulator 130 and picked. According to this modification, picking can be started immediately after payment regardless of which kiosk terminal completes payment first.

As a modified example of the present embodiment, when the user 220 performs a third operation of deselecting at least one item 201, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 212 containing the item 201 to the It may be returned to the rack 116 via the third conveyor 115 rather than directly from the first conveyor 113 . In that case, the control unit 121 moves the container 212 containing the article 201 whose selection was canceled by the third operation from the first conveyor 113 to the third conveyor 115 according to the third operation. The controller 121 drives the third conveyor 115 to return the container 212 to the rack 116 . For example, the controller 121 drives the third conveyor 115 backward when returning the container 212 from the third conveyor 115 to the rack 116 .

As a modified example of the present embodiment, the multi-joint robot of the manipulator 130 can be placed in the air by adopting a system such as a ceiling suspension system. Conveyor 115 may be extended. Alternatively, a sorting area that replaces the first conveyor 113, the second conveyor 114, and the third conveyor 115 may be installed in the empty space.

As a modification of this embodiment, the manipulator 130 may be movable. This variant allows for greater flexibility around the picking area 102 .

As a modified example of this embodiment, a small tote may be included in the tote delivered from the distribution center, and the small tote may be stored in the automated warehouse 110 .

As a modification of this embodiment, five racks of the same structure are arranged on the opposite side of the left five racks 116 shown in FIG. 115 may be installed in common.

(Ninth embodiment)
The configuration of an article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Descriptions of parts common to the configuration of the article management system 100 according to the third embodiment will be omitted.

The article management system 100 includes the same automated warehouse 110, conveyors 170, 173, and receiving terminals 380 as the article management system 100 according to the eighth embodiment.

Storage shed 190 includes one or more racks 191 and one or more cranes 192 .

The number of racks 191 may be any number, but in the example of FIG. 21 there is one. The number of cranes 192 is determined by the number of racks 191, and is one in the example of FIG. A crane 192 is installed in the aisle facing the rack 191 . In the example of FIG. 21 , one crane 192 is installed in the aisle in front of one rack 191 . As long as the passage is wide enough for the crane 192 to be installed, the passage may be too narrow for people to pass through. Crane 192 is a mini-load crane in this embodiment, but may be, for example, a unit-load crane or a mid-load crane.

The storage shed 190 is installed closer to the receiving area 103 than the multiple racks 116 of the automated warehouse 110 . At least part of the storage 190 is installed above the second conveyor 114 in this embodiment, but may be installed below the second conveyor 114 . In the example of FIG. 21, the rack 191 of the storage 190 is installed above the first conveyor 113 adjacent to the left five racks 116 and the second conveyor 114 adjacent to the first conveyor 113. .

The operation of the article management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This operation corresponds to the article management method according to this embodiment. The operation regarding the order from the receiving terminal 380 or the kiosk terminal is the same as the operation of the article management system 100 according to the eighth embodiment, so the explanation is omitted. Below, the operation related to the advance order from the terminal device such as the smartphone of the user 220 will be described, but the description of the part common to the operation of the article management system 100 according to the third embodiment will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

In a step corresponding to step S301 in FIG. 13, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 receives the order information 260 of at least one article 201 transmitted via the network 330 such as the Internet via the communication unit 123. .

In a step corresponding to step S302 in FIG. 13, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 identifies the article 201 corresponding to the received order information 260. FIG. The control unit 121 searches the database 140 to identify the container 211 containing the identified article 201 . The control unit 121 causes the automated warehouse 110 to take out the specified container 211 from the rack 116 via the communication unit 123 . The control unit 121 causes the automatic warehouse 110 to move the container 211 from the first conveyor 113 to the second conveyor 114 via the communication unit 123 . The control unit 121 drives the second conveyor 114 independently for each lane to bring the container 211 to the picking position. That is, the automated warehouse 110 rotates the rack 116 containing the container 211 containing at least one article 201 to be received in the receiving area 103 according to the order information 260 received by the control device 120 to It is controlled to discharge the container 211 from the outlet of the rack 116 to the first conveyor 113 . Automated warehouse 110 is controlled to move its containers 211 from first conveyor 113 to second conveyor 114 . The second conveyor 114 is controlled so that each lane is driven independently to bring its containers 211 to the picking position.

At a step corresponding to step S303 in FIG. 13 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 controls picking by the manipulator 130 via the communication unit 123 . That is, manipulator 130 is controlled to perform picking. In this embodiment, at the time of picking, at least one article 201 is taken out from the container 211 unloaded by the automated warehouse 110 in the picking area 102, and the taken-out article 201 is transferred to another container 213.

In a step corresponding to step S304 in FIG. 13, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 temporarily stores at least one article 201 taken out by picking in the storage shed 190 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the storage 190 is controlled to temporarily store at least one article 201 taken out by picking. Specifically, the crane 192 of the storage 190 moves along the passage facing the rack 191 of the storage 190 and stores the container 213 into which the article 201 was transferred during picking. The database 140 associates identification information such as a barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID attached to the container 213, or information indicating the storage position of the container 213 in the storage 190, with authentication information 271 such as an exchange number. Hold.

In a step corresponding to step S305 in FIG. 13, the input device 150 of the receiving terminal 380 receives an input operation of the authentication information 270 for receiving at least one article 201 by the user 220. FIG. For example, the touch screen of receiving terminal 380 accepts an operation by user 220 to input an exchange number notified from electronic commerce site or control device 120 via network 330 . The control unit 121 of the control device 120 acquires the authentication information 270 input by the input operation accepted by the input device 150 via the input unit 124 .

The control unit 121 collates the acquired authentication information 270 with the database 140, and ends the operation when the authentication fails. That is, if the database 140 does not hold the regular authentication information 271 that matches the acquired authentication information 270, the control unit 121 terminates the operation. On the other hand, if the authentication is successful, that is, if the database 140 holds the valid authentication information 271 that matches the acquired authentication information 270, the control unit 121, in a step corresponding to step S306 in FIG. The database 140 is searched to identify the container 213 corresponding to the authentication information 271 . The control unit 121 causes the storage shed 190 to carry out the specified container 213 to the receiving area 103 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the storage 190 is controlled to carry out at least one article 201 to the receiving area 103 according to the input operation accepted by the input device 150 . Specifically, the crane 192 of the storage 190 moves along the passage facing the rack 191 of the storage 190, takes out the container 213 containing the article 201, and carries out the taken out container 213 to the receiving area 103. .

The control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyor 170 to put the container 213 carried out from the storage 190 into the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380 via the communication unit 123 . That is, the conveyor 170 is controlled so that the container 213 carried out from the storage 190 is thrown into the receiving box 180 .

Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 213 taken out by the crane 192 of the storage 190 from the crane 192 to the second lane 172 of the conveyor 170 . The control unit 121 drives the second lane 172 to put the container 213 into the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380 . Any method may be used as the method of inputting the container 213, but in this embodiment, the container 213 is moved from the conveyor 170 into the receiving box 180 through an opening provided on the back side of the receiving box 180. You can use the method of

In the example of FIG. 21 , the control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the second lane 172 of the conveyor 170 rightward to move the container 213 picked up by the crane 192 of the storage 190 to a position corresponding to the receiving terminal 380 . to reach The control unit 121 drives the second lane 172 forward to throw the container 213 into the receiving box 180 of the receiving terminal 380 .

The control unit 121 of the control device 120 causes the conveyor 173 to return the container 213 carried out from the storage 190 to the picking area 102 after the article 201 contained in the container 213 is received in the receiving area 103 . That is, the conveyor 173 is controlled to return the container 213 carried out from the storage 190 to the picking area 102 after the article 201 contained in the container 213 is received in the receiving area 103 .

Specifically, the control unit 121 of the control device 120 moves the container 213 from which the user 220 has taken out at least one article 201 from the receiving box 180 to the conveyor 173 as the container 216 that has been received. Any method may be used to move the container 216 to the conveyor 173, but in this embodiment, an angle-adjustable plate provided in the receiving box 180 is tilted rearward to move the receiving box. A method of sliding containers 216 from receiving box 180 onto conveyor 173 through an opening in the back of 180 can be used. The controller 121 drives the conveyor 173 to return the container 216 to its original position. The original position is the position where the empty container 216 is stored until it is used again as the container 213 for picking.

In the example of FIG. 21 , the controller 121 of the control device 120 drives the fourth lane 175 of the conveyor 173 backward to move the empty container 216 to the third lane 174 of the conveyor 173 . The control unit 121 drives the third lane 174 leftward to return the container 216 to its original position.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first lane 171 of the conveyor 170 conveys at least one picked item 201 to the receiving area 103 if the item 201 is not once stored in the storage bin 190. . A second lane 172 of the conveyor 170 conveys at least one article 201 taken out by picking to the receiving area 103 once the article 201 is stored in the storage shed 190 .

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the article 201 to be received immediately after picking and the article 201 to be received once stored in the storage 190 can be transported to the receiving port in parallel.

In this embodiment, storage shed 190 is installed closer to receiving area 103 than multiple racks 116 of automated warehouse 110 . Therefore, the time required for receiving can be shortened.

In this embodiment, at least part of the storage 190 is installed above the second conveyor 114 . Therefore, the empty space can be effectively utilized.

In this embodiment, the storage shed 190 divides each container 213 into two or more compartments with different temperature settings according to the type of the article 201 contained in each container 213, as in the automated warehouse 110. storage. For example, one or more racks 191 may be divided into four compartments that collectively correspond to four temperature zones: frozen, chilled, constant temperature, and room temperature, and each container 213 may be labeled with a type of article 200 contained therein. Depending on the situation, it should be stored in these four compartments. Since the storage shed 190 is independent from the automated warehouse 110, frequent opening and closing is not required, making it easier to manage temperature zones.

In this embodiment, the repository 190 can also store items such as luggage deposited by the user 220 . The control unit 121 of the control device 120 drives the second lane 172 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the at least one article 201 is conveyed to the receiving area 103, thereby conveying the article deposited by the user 220 to the storage 190. . That is, the second lane 172 is driven in a direction opposite to the direction in which at least one article 201 is conveyed to the receiving area 103 and is controlled to convey the article deposited by the user 220 to the storage 190 . In the example of FIG. 21 , the control unit 121 moves the container 217 containing the articles deposited by the user 220 from the receiving box 180 to the conveyor 173 . The controller 121 drives the conveyor 173 leftward to convey the container 217 to the storage shed 190 . The storage shed 190 stores the container 217 . Items deposited by user 220 may be received by user 220 in the same procedure as item 201 ordered by user 220 and once stored in repository 190 .

The difference between the example of FIG. 20 and the example of FIG. 21 is that the pre-order repository 190 is present in the example of FIG. In the example of FIG. 21, a container 213 containing at least one article 201 previously picked up is stored in the storage 190 . When the user 220 comes to pick up the item 201 , the item 201 is directly transported from the storage 190 to the receiving terminal 380 without going through the picking area 102 .

As a modified example of this embodiment, each container 213 may be added with a temperature zone management function. For example, among the four temperature zones of frozen, refrigerated, constant temperature, and room temperature, each container 213 may correspond to a different temperature zone. According to this modification, the temperature zone can be managed more reliably.

As a modified example of the present embodiment, a dedicated receiving box may be installed in which the containers 213 unloaded from the storage 190 are directly thrown in without going through the conveyor 170 .

As a modified example of the present embodiment, after an advance order from a terminal device such as a smartphone of the user 220, the position of the terminal device is confirmed, the arrival time of the user 220 is predicted, and early preparations are calculated backward from the arrival time. At the time, item 201 may be ready to be received by user 220 .

The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple blocks depicted in the block diagrams may be integrated or one block may be divided. Instead of executing the steps described in the flowchart in chronological order according to the description, the steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing power of the device executing each step or as required. Other modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

100 article management system 101 storage area 102 picking area 103 receiving area 104 advance order area 110 automated warehouse 111 rack 112 crane 113 first conveyor 114 second conveyor 115 third conveyor 116 rack 120 control device 121 control unit 122 storage unit 123 communication unit 124 input unit 125 output unit 130 manipulator 140 database 150 input device 160 output device 170 conveyor 171 first lane 172 second lane 173 conveyor 174 third lane 175 fourth lane 180 receiving box 190 storage 191 rack 192 crane 200 article 201 article 202 article 210 container 211 container 212 container 213 container 214 container 215 container 216 container 217 container 220 user 230 store 240 inventory information 250 list 260 order information 270 authentication information 271 authentication information 280 mobile robot 290 drone 300 distribution system 310 control unit 310 312 storage unit 313 communication unit 314 input unit 315 output unit 320 terminal device 330 network 340 mobile robot 350 drone 360 management device 370 kiosk terminal 380 receiving terminal 400 commercial transaction platform 410 order queue 411 transmission queue 412 pre-order queue 420 transmission processing 430 API
440 Priority Change

Claims (29)

Automatic storage of a plurality of containers each containing one or more items, and carrying out of the plurality of containers containing at least one item to be received in a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area a warehouse;
a control device that controls or assists picking of the at least one article in the picking area from a container unloaded by the automated warehouse ;
a conveyor for transporting the at least one item retrieved by the picking to the receiving area;
a storage for temporarily storing the at least one article taken out by the picking;
with
The conveyor includes a first lane for conveying the at least one item taken out by the picking to the receiving area when the at least one item taken out by the picking is not stored in the storage once, and the item taken out by the picking. and a second lane for transporting the at least one item to the receiving area once the at least one item has been stored in the storage . Further comprising a manipulator that performs the picking,
2. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein said control device controls said picking by said manipulator. The manipulator learns appearances of a plurality of types of articles before picking, observes appearances of articles contained in containers carried out by the automated warehouse during picking, and learns and observes the appearances of the articles. 3. The item management system of claim 2, wherein the at least one item is identified as a result of. 4. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the automated warehouse stores the plurality of containers by dividing them into two or more compartments with different temperature settings according to the types of articles contained in each container. Article management system described in the item. further comprising a database holding inventory information of the automated warehouse,
5. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device searches the database to specify a container containing the at least one article, and causes the automated warehouse to carry out the specified container to the picking area. The article management system according to item 1. further comprising an input device for accepting an order operation for the at least one item by a user;
The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the automated warehouse carries out the container containing the at least one article to the picking area in accordance with an order operation received by the input device. management system. The automated warehouse includes a rack that stores the plurality of containers, and a crane that moves along a passage facing the rack, takes out the container containing the at least one article, and carries the taken out container to the picking area. with
The control device predicts an item to be ordered by the ordering operation before the ordering operation is completed, and determines, from among the plurality of containers, a container containing the predicted item according to a storage position in the rack. 7. An article management system according to claim 6 , wherein said crane is moved. further comprising an output device that outputs a list of types of articles contained in the plurality of containers to the user;
8. The article management system according to claim 6 , wherein said input device receives, as part of said ordering operation, said user's operation of selecting said at least one article from a list output by said output device. The control device receives order information for the at least one item transmitted via a network;
The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the automated warehouse carries out the container containing the at least one article to the picking area according to the order information received by the control device. management system. an input device that receives a user's input operation of authentication information for receiving the at least one item;
10. A storage that once stores the at least one item picked up by the picking and carries out the at least one item to the receiving area in accordance with an input operation accepted by the input device. The article management system described in . further comprising an input device that receives a user's input operation of authentication information for receiving the at least one item;
The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the automated warehouse carries out the container containing the at least one article to the picking area in accordance with an input operation accepted by the input device. management system. further comprising a database holding authorized authentication information for each item contained in the plurality of containers;
The control device collates the authentication information input by the input operation with the database, identifies a container containing the at least one article, and causes the automated warehouse to carry out the identified container to the picking area. An article management system according to claim 11 . 13. The article management system according to claim 11 or 12 , which is installed at a delivery point of a home delivery company. 13. The goods management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , which is installed in a store of a retailer. 13. The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , which is installed in any one of gas stations, stations, offices, office buildings, and condominiums. The control device stores the at least one item in the automated warehouse according to each of the user's ordering operation of the at least one item and the order information of the at least one item transmitted via a network. When the order information from another user is transmitted while the order operation is being performed by a certain user, the order operation is performed. 6. The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein said processing is executed with priority given to a user who is in the office. 6. The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the automated warehouse stores the plurality of containers and includes a plurality of vertically rotating racks that rotate independently for each rack. further comprising a storage for temporarily storing the at least one item taken out by the picking;
The automated warehouse carries out the container containing the at least one item to the picking area according to the order information of the at least one item transmitted via the network;
6. Any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the storage unloads the at least one item to the receiving area in response to a user inputting authentication information for receiving the at least one item. The article management system described in . The automated warehouse includes a rack that stores the plurality of containers,
19. The item management system of claim 18 , wherein said storage is located closer to said receiving area than said rack. The automated warehouse comprises a conveyor that causes the container containing the at least one article to reach the picking position,
20. The article management system according to claim 18 or 19 , wherein at least part of said storage is installed above or below said conveyor. 21. The storage according to any one of claims 18 to 20 , wherein each container is divided into two or more compartments with different temperature settings according to the type of articles contained in each container. Item management system as described. In the picking, the at least one article taken out from the container unloaded by the automated warehouse is placed in another container,
a further conveyor positioned below or above said conveyor for returning the container containing said at least one item by said picking to said picking area after said at least one item has been received in said receiving area; The item management system of claim 1 , comprising: The second lane is driven in a direction opposite to when conveying the at least one item to the receiving area to convey the item deposited by the user to the storage;
23. The article management system according to claim 1 or 22 , wherein said repository stores articles deposited by said user. an article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 ;
A physical distribution system comprising a mobile robot that delivers articles carried into the automated warehouse to the article management system. an article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 ;
A physical distribution system comprising a drone that delivers articles to be carried into the automated warehouse to the article management system. a plurality of article management systems each being an article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 ;
and a management device for collectively monitoring and controlling the plurality of article management systems. Automatic storage of a plurality of containers each containing one or more items, and carrying out of the plurality of containers containing at least one item to be received in a receiving area to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area A server device connected to an article management system comprising a warehouse and a control device for controlling or supporting picking of the at least one article in the picking area from a container unloaded by the automated warehouse,
a communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device;
Accepting the designation or advance order of the at least one item via the communication unit, referring to the inventory information of the item management system installed at each of the plurality of locations, and selecting the at least one item from among the plurality of locations A server device comprising a control unit that selects a location where a container containing one article is stored in the automated warehouse and notifies the terminal device of the selected location via the communication unit. The control unit detects the position of the user via the communication unit, and detects, among the plurality of locations, two or more locations where the container containing the at least one article is stored in the automated warehouse. 28. The location to be notified to the terminal device is selected from the two or more locations according to the distance between the detected location and the two or more locations if there is server equipment. An automated warehouse that stores a plurality of containers each containing one or more articles moves a container containing at least one article to be received in a receiving area from among the plurality of containers to a picking area adjacent to the receiving area. carry out,
A control device controls or supports picking in which the at least one article is taken out from the container unloaded by the automated warehouse in the picking area ;
a first lane of the conveyor transports the at least one item picked by the picking to the receiving area if the at least one item is not once stored in a storage bin;
An article management method , wherein a second lane of the conveyor transports the at least one article taken out by the picking to the receiving area when the at least one article is once stored in the storage .

Images